Parents' Newsletter

As we reach the end of another hugely successful year, I am delighted to reflect on the remarkable achievements and events that have shaped our school community this term.

First and foremost, my thanks go to our GCSE and post-16 students, who approached their exams with professionalism and optimism. We eagerly await their results, confident that their hard work will be rewarded.

Thank you also to our staff who have supported these cohorts, as well as organising other learning experiences ranging from Futures Week, Culture Week, Sports Day and Spiritual Retreats.

We are also immensely proud to have been shortlisted for the second consecutive year for the TES Secondary School of the Year Award. Being one of only eight schools in the country and one of just two in London to receive this recognition is a testament to the dedication and excellence of our entire school community.

We are grateful to our many Alumni who have visited us this term, passing on your knowledge, experiences and advice.

Cardinal Pole is more than a school; it is a partnership, a community united in our mission to provide the very best education to our students, empowering them to make a positive impact on the world.

As we embark on the summer break, I wish everyone an enjoyable and restful holiday. I look forward to welcoming you back in September rejuvenated and ready for another year of growth and success.

Yours in service,

Adam Hall
Headteacher

Although we were disappointed not to win the TES Secondary School of the Year Award 2024, Cardinal Pole Catholic School remains incredibly proud to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award for the second consecutive year. Being one of only eight schools across the entire country to make the shortlist, and one of just two from London, is a spectacular achievement that underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence in education and the holistic development of our students.

Mr Hall expressed his immense pride and gratitude, stating, “To be shortlisted twice in a row is an incredible honour! This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire school community. Our students, staff, parents, and Governors have all contributed to making Cardinal Pole a beacon of educational excellence. We are thrilled to be acknowledged on such a distinguished platform and will continue to drive for the very best outcomes for our students. Congratulations to all the schools who were at the awards ceremony last night - we are proud to be counted among such incredible learning communities. At Cardinal Pole we will continue to drive for excellence in all that we do, and look forward to celebrating our students’ Post-16 and GCSE results in the Summer. ”

The TES Secondary School of the Year Award celebrates schools that provide exceptional education and environments in which students thrive. Cardinal Pole Catholic School's quality of education, combined with outstanding pastoral care and strong values of 'Service, Opportunity, Aspiration, and Reward', has consistently set the school apart.

Chair of Governors, Justin Madubuko, said, “To make the shortlist of 8 schools last year was amazing, but to be shortlisted again this year is simply phenomenal. As an ex-student of this school myself, I am so proud to see how far our community has come. This recognition reaffirms the exceptional qualities that make Cardinal Pole Catholic School such a special place to learn and grow. Congratulations to everyone who has played a part in this incredible achievement.”

Our Head Students, Shiphrah, Oyin and Tommy added, “We are so pleased for our staff to receive this recognition, as they work so hard for us. There are so many opportunities for us to become the very best version of ourselves, and as student leaders we want to express our thanks.

Year 7 St Dominic’s Church Tour Retreat

All of Year 7 were welcomed to The Immaculate Heart of Mary & St Dominic’s Catholic Church by Fr Patrick and given a tour focusing on sacred objects. This followed by Year 7’s first retreat experience at in the church hall, where they reflected what it means to be in the Body of Christ and the mission God as for each one of use ‘to do Him so definite service’.

Year 12 St Thomas Feast Day Celebration

On the 21st June, Year 12 celebrated the impending feast day of St. Thomas More with Holy Mass and a whole year group feast of food, served by the newly commissioned 6th Form Leadership Team, who are called to be the servants of all.

Year 11 Leaver's Mass

All the Year 11 students returned to Cardinal Pole after the exam season ended to attend their last year group celebration of Holy Mass. We prayed for their futures and gave thanks to God for all the staff who had supported them during their time at Cardinal Pole.

Incoming Year 7 Introduction to the Chapel - Transition Day

With great anticipation, the staff at Cardinal Pole prepared to welcome the incoming Year 7 students on Transition Day. Each form class came into the Chapel to be invited into the Catholic life of the school. Students reflected on their year group's saint, being called to be children of prayer, and all the blessings God has awaiting them in their years at Cardinal Pole!

Year 12 Westminster Youth Ministries Retreat

All of Year 12 attended a retreat led by Zuzanna and Iona from the Westminster Youth Ministry team at Frampton Baptist Church. The day was full of laughter and deep reflection on how God has worked in their lives so far, in both the closing and opening of doors, and the invitation to surrender our futures to God. Wilker, Year 12, said, "It made me feel inspired to focus more on my relationship with God and the experience allowed me to open my heart to hear what I have to say."

End of Year Liturgies

The whole school ended the year with a Summer Liturgy of thanksgiving, focusing on our call to be "the light of the world." We celebrated the various ways each of us has let our light shine and glorified God before our school community. The choir sang "For Your Glory," and a piece of poetry, "We Are the Light," written by Brian from 7CAM, was performed. Each Head of Year blessed their cohort with a speech to round off the year.

Prayer

We give thanks to God, for all the teaching and learning

that has taken place in our school, both in and out of the classroom,
and for the love that has kept us going.
We give thanks to the community
that we are, and we ask you, Lord.

Bless our Cardinal Pole Community and our families as we take our
holidays. May our summer leave us with memories to cherish.
Pour out your love on us that we may return renewed and refreshed
to continue our journey together to learn and serve Cardinal Pole.
We make this prayer through

the most mighty name of Jesus.

Amen

God has been truly so good to us this year. As we go into our summer holidays, I pray for us all to find rest in Him, so we can come back full of hope for the next exciting school year - Miss Kimberley Fernandes (School Chaplain)

In September 2023, Government and Politics returned to our Sixth Form curriculum. This course aims to deepen students' understanding of the British political system and explore various political ideologies. We were thrilled to welcome 14 enthusiastic Year 12 students, and I'm impressed with their progress this past year.

The course is divided into two parts, with Year 12 focusing on the British political system. Students have tackled topics ranging from voting behaviours to the balance of power of the Prime Minister. Engaging in debates has been a highlight, enriching their grasp of a subject profoundly impacting us all. I'm delighted by their ideas for political reform, which I believe our new Prime Minister should heed.

Next year, our focus shifts to US politics, comparing and contrasting our systems. With recent elections in both countries, it's an exciting time for students of Government and Politics to analyze which democracy better serves its citizens.

Written by,

Mr Tisi

Acting Assistant Headteacher

Hello, my name is Elizabeth and today I'm going to talk about why I love reading and why I love the library. I love reading because it makes you feel like you've travelled to another universe, where you can use your imagination to write stories or to read them. Books are really fun to read, and there are many different genres to explore! For example, horror, fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, and more!

The reason I love the library is because it provides plenty of space for studying or revising. Additionally, the library offers a wide variety of books to read. If you are unsure about which book to choose, the librarian can give you recommendations based on what they think you will enjoy!

Please click on the image below to watch on Instagram!

We were delighted to welcome six of our wonderful Alumni back to Cardinal Pole today to work with Year 12 as part of Futures Week. They took part in an alumni Q&A panel where they talked through their individual experiences and journeys, gave advice about sixth form studies, university and careers, and answered questions on topics including applications, work/social life balance and super-curricular opportunities. Following this our Alumni ran smaller sessions focusing on politics, finance, medicine, management consultancy and recruitment skills. Our students found the sessions engaging and informative, and the perspective our Alumni were able to bring as former Cardinal Pole students themselves was invaluable.

We are so grateful to our Alumni for giving up their time to provide this support, and so proud of what they have achieved!

We are so grateful to our Alumni for giving up their time to provide this support, and so proud of what they have achieved! A huge thank you to:

Of the day itself, the Alumni Said:
"Sixth Form marks a pivotal transition for students as they approach university applications or grapple with decision about their future educational and career paths. Drawing from my own challenging experiences during this period, I was eager to share insights and guidance to encourage and support the current Sixth Formers as they navigate this crucial stage of their academic Journey" - Emmanuel Dei (Graduated Cardinal Pole 2021)

"I decided to come back to the Cardinal Pole to participate in the Alumni talk to give advice to the students in the same way I received advice while I was in Sixth Form, which helped me as hearing from previous students with a similar background helps make an informed decision on the university pathway" - Nicole Ezedonmwen (Graduated from Cardinal Pole in 2021) https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAADYA0wQBS0LRjnXJ__gZTxL5ayTlVuSeF-g

"I decided to come back to Cardinal Pole to give advice to those who needed some guidance and help with looking at different options and opportunities available to them. I felt obliged to come back and identify as many of these opportunities as possible" - Esmond Afranie (Graduated from Cardinal Pole in 2021) https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAADAWS2wB8pyQdjcxw-Bq3AcNKlZ_dxWj2E8

Alumni who attended this event also included:
Deborah Olagunju (Graduated Cardinal Pole 2016)
Sheridan Gately (Graduated Cardinal Pole 2016)
Ethan Richards (Graduated Cardinal Pole 2018)

We have launched our 'Cardinal Pole Connect' campaign to celebrate and connect with our incredible Alumni.

If you are a former student, please fill in the Google form and be the first to know about our growing Alumni community & networking events in 2024.

Looking for something fun to do over the summer holidays?

Hackney Council will once again be teaming up with a number of schools, sports activity providers and community services to offer a wide range of exciting activities and a daily healthy free meal! You can learn more about it here: https://education.hackney.gov.uk/content/holiday-activities-and-food-programme These events are also accomodating to children with SEND or support needs! You can find out more about it on the Young Hackney website here: https://www.hackneylocaloffer.co.uk/kb5/hackney/localoffer/service.page?id=VmFzSQcBXnQ

Young Hackney also offer a list of acitivites that SEND friendly! Which you can read about it here: https://www.younghackney.org/summer-activities-guide/send-friendly/

At the Forest Road Youth Club, there are games, multisport and arts and crafts sessions for students between the ages of 13 - 19.

Click the link to find out more!

Dalston CLR James Library, Dalston Square, Hackney, E8 3BQ

12:00pm to 4.00pm

As part of the Baldwin 100 Festival, Young Lit Stars are hosting the Children’s Black Book Fair UK 2024 with a full takeover of Dalston CLR James Library.

Theme: Today a Reader - Tomorrow a Leader.

Target Audience - Ages 3 to 16 and anyone who loves a book.

Join in the fun with 20 young writers under 16 who will be showcasing and selling their books and talking about their author journey.

STORYTELLING

All Day

Listen to amazing authors read their multicultural stories.

WORKSHOPS

All Day

Designing Book Covers

Colouring Black History Heroes and Sheroe

Creating, Adinkra Symbols

Writing a Non-Fiction Book Profile

SEMINARS

All Day

How to write a children’s book

How to publish a children’s book

How to improve your child’s reading age

There will be Competitions, Balloons, Freebies and Light Refreshments on the day.

The first 100 children in attendance will receive a Children’s Black Book Fair Goody Bag.

Admission Free

Visit Eventbrite to reserve your ticket

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/childrens-black-book-fair-2024-tickets-948110412767

London is incredibly lucky in that it has an incredible amount of amazing free art galleries and museums! TimeOut has collated a list of them! https://www.timeout.com/london/museums/free-art-galleries-museums-in-london

Find out cheaper ways to get around London on the TFL website! Which you can find here: https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel

Monday 22nd-Wednesday 24th July: The whole of Year 7 and selected students in Years 8, 9 & 10.

Thursday 15th August: Post - 16 Results Day

Thursday 22nd August: GCSE Results Day

Monday 2nd September: INSET DAY

Tuesday 3rd September: Year 7 (Day 1: 8.30am-3pm)

Year 12 registration.

Wednesday 4th September:

Staggered start:

Year 7 : 8.30am

Year 8 : 8.30am

Year 9 : 9am

Year 10: 9.30am

Year 11: 10am

Thursday 5th September: Sixth Form return along with all other year groups at the normal time.

Website: https://www.cardinalpole.co.uk/
Location: 205 Morning Ln, London E9 6LG, UK
Phone: 020 8985 5150